Uncover Clerkenwell Design Week 2024
Clerkenwell Design Week returns to the city from 21-23 May. Our guide is the ultimate companion to navigate the event
Now in its 15th year, Clerkenwell Design Week has firmly established itself as one of London’s most important design events. Over the course of three days next week, the EC1 neighbourhood is set to play host to more than 600 curated events with over 160 local design showrooms and 300 exhibitors. Site-specific installations will be constructed on the streets, while a roster of informative talks with glittering panels will take place on the lawn at Spa Fields and prestigious members’ club Old Sessions House will open its doors to welcome new product launches.
New for this year is three additional exhibition venues, taking the number of official venues to 12: ‘Contract and Work’ on Clerkenwell Green, a pop-up space commercial and workplace interiors spot at The Goldsmiths’ Centre and ‘The Edit in Bourne and Hollingsworth’, where you can discover pioneering contemporary design brands. Read on for the things we’re most looking forward to seeing…
‘Laboratory’ by Holloway Li, Refin and Solus Ceramics
Ever wondered what melting wax looks like under a microscope? Us neither, but now we’ve thought about it we can’t get it out of our heads. According to co-founder of interior design studio Holloway Li, Alex Holloway, it resembles ‘retreating ice caps’. He would know, having curated ‘Laboratory’, a science workshop where you’ll be able to explore the microscopic world of wax, fresco and steel through three live experiments and experimental photography. hollowayli.com
Bisley’s redesigned showroom
British furniture manufacturer Bisley will unveil its recently redecorated Dallington Street showroom, which has been updated to highlight its expanded home, workplace, leisure and hospitality products. Visitors will enjoy an exclusive preview of the company’s ‘Arches’ product range alongside three new colours. To christen the refurbished space, Bisley is hosting a talk with colour expert Fiona de Lys, entitled ‘Harnessing Hues’ on May 22 from 2pm. bisley.com
‘Apricity’ by Emily Forgot for Clearwater Interiors
Clearwater Interiors has called on London-based artist Emily Forgot to design a new freestanding bath, which is called ‘Apricity’, and will be unveiled for the first time at Clerkenwell Design Week. According to Forgot, the design, which sees blocks and lines of autumnal colours line the bath, ‘is inspired by the changing seasons’. It’ll be released as part of Clearwater Interiors’ wider AW-24 collection. clearwaterinteriors.net
‘Connection’ by Lois O'Hara and Ronnie Chapple
Head to just outside the former prison, House of Detention, to see ‘Connection’, a series of artworks by Brighton-based designers and artists Lois O’Hara and Ronnie Chapple. Energetic colours and playful shapes will be splayed across the brick wall, serving as an antidote to the rather bleak setting. The works are intended to encourage interaction and conversation while demonstrating the significant effects of nature on our mental health. loisohara.co.uk
New wallpaper collection by Arte
The intersection between haute couture and design was the starting point for Arte’s latest wallcovering collection, which marries special techniques with high-quality materials to create what it calls ‘high-fashion wallcoverings’. Our pick is ‘Lanai’, an unusual jacquard design that incorporates a sleek damier (a chequerboard pattern made popular by Louis Vuitton in the weave of the fabric) – a dazzling effect suited to a maximalist room. arte-international.com
Old Sessions House
The atmospheric member’s club Old Sessions House will once again become the heart of Clerkenwell Design Week, with visitors gaining free access to explore the rooms for the three days. The Grade-II-listed building is the place to go if you’re looking for a little break –the restaurant and bar will be open as well as places to sit and catch up on emails. theoldsessionshouse.com
‘Pour’ by Henry Holland for Bert & May
Tile maker Bert & May is using the occasion of Clerkenwell to launch ‘Pour’, a novel tile collection designed by Henry Holland that makes use of his signature nerikomi-inspired swirls. Take the opportunity to cast your eyes over both the printed glazed version and the hand-poured option. bertandmay.com
‘Mythical Forest Salon’ by Kit Kemp Design Studio for Schotten & Hansen
Longstanding collaborators Kit Kemp Design Studio and Bavarian wood specialists Schotten & Hansen have joined forces once again to release a table that will make its debut at Clerkenwell Design Week. To mark its launch, Minnie Kemp will curate a special immersive space called ‘Mythical Forest Salon’ centred around the table. The eight colours that she has produced for the collection will also be on display in a bespoke wood panelling and shelving unit. schotten-hansen.c0m
‘Venexia’ by Luca Nichetto for Ethimo
Ethimo has become somewhat of a staple at Clerkenwell Design Week, offering a place to sit in the sunshine (last year’s event enjoyed especially pleasant weather, so fingers crossed for 2024) and this year is no different. The Italian outdoor furniture manufacturer will present its 2024 collection, including this plush set by Luca Nichetto. ethimo.com
‘Loop’ by Matthew Burt
Clerkenwell Design Week’s British Collection at Crypt on the Green should be on everyone’s itinerary as it’s the place to see some of the country’s finest homegrown brands in a charming setting. We’re most looking forward to spotting this timber console table by Berkshire-based studio Matthew Burt – a sturdy piece that’s easy on the eye. matthewburt.com
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